Best 3 Surgical Facelift Clinics in Seoul, Korea (Editorial Guide)
Choosing a facelift clinic in Seoul isn’t just about the lift—it’s about safety, technique, aesthetic style, and aftercare. Below is an editorial shortlist of three clinics from your picks. This page is informational (not medical advice) and “best” is used in a general, non-comparative sense. Always verify surgeon credentials and case volume before booking.
How This List Was Curated
We prioritized clinics known for:
- Consistent facelift outcomes (jawline, midface, neck harmony)
- Clear consultation flow and written surgical plans
- Anesthesia safety and post-op monitoring
- Structured aftercare (follow-ups, garment/strap guidance, scar care)
- English-friendly support for international patients
CDU Plastic Surgery — SMAS/Neck Focus with Tightening-Conscious Planning
CDU is often selected by patients who want jawline sharpening with neck refinement. The team typically evaluates skin quality first, then decides whether a SMAS plication, SMASectomy, or deeper release is warranted, and whether a formal neck lift should be paired to avoid jowl–neck mismatch. They’re careful about incision placement around the tragus and hairline to keep scars discreet, and they tend to be conservative in thin-skinned areas to prevent rippling.
Good fit for: Lax lower face with banding or early “turkey neck,” patients seeking crisp mandibular lines without an over-pulled look.
Ask in consult: Technique depth (SMAS vs deeper release), whether neck lift is included, drain policy, scar-care timeline, and who manages you post-op day-by-day.
Fresh Dr. Hong Clinic — Face Lift + Volume Logic for Natural Rejuvenation
Fresh is a strong option if you need both lifting and volume strategy. Many facelift patients also have midface deflation; Fresh often integrates conservative fat grafting or defatting under the SMAS to restore cheek contour while tightening the lower face and neck. Expect a very structured recovery plan (sleep position, strap usage, edema control, milestone checks).
Good fit for: Patients who want a refreshed, softer look rather than an overt “wind-tunnel” effect—especially if you’ve got hollowing along the cheeks or temples.
Ask in consult: Whether volume will be added or reduced, exact incision map, plan for the platysma (bands), and the policy for minor asymmetry touch-ups.
Banobagi Plastic Surgery — High-Infrastructure Care with Flexible Options
Banobagi suits patients who want choice and infrastructure. With multiple facial specialists, you can match surgeon style to your goals—mini lift for early laxity, traditional SMAS for moderate jowls, or a deeper release when neck laxity is significant. Large clinics also tend to have robust anesthesia protocols, recovery bays, and coordinated nursing for swelling/bruising control.
Good fit for: Patients who prefer a big-team setting, comprehensive workups, and built-in backup for aftercare.
Ask in consult: Which surgeon will perform your case, their facelift volume, the exact lift type, and whether a same-day or next-day check is standard.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate
- Ideal: Lower-face jowling, neck laxity, good general health, nonsmoker (or willing to stop well before/after surgery).
- Consider alternatives: Primarily skin-quality issues without laxity (may need resurfacing/microneedling/energy devices), or severe medical conditions that elevate anesthesia risk.
Typical Facelift Timeline (Varies by Case)
- Week 0 (Surgery Day): Outpatient or 1-night observation; strap/garments on; early ambulation.
- Days 2–7: Swelling/bruise peak; first check; suture care; sleep elevated.
- Weeks 2–3: Social downtime ends for most; residual swelling persists; light activity resumes.
- Weeks 4–6: Scar maturation starts; contour clarity improves; gentle exercise returns.
- Months 3–6: Final definition appears as tissues settle and scars fade.
What to Bring to Consultation
- Goal photos (realistic, age-appropriate) and a priority list (jawline, midface, neck).
- Medical history and medications/supplements (including blood thinners, vitamins, herbal agents).
- Travel dates and work schedule (to calibrate downtime and follow-ups).
- Questions on anesthesia provider, emergency protocols, scar-care plan, and revision policy.
Pricing Pointers (Request Written Quotes)
Facelift costs depend on technique depth, whether a neck lift is included, OR time, and any adjuncts (fat grafting, buccal fat, submental work, skin resurfacing). Ask for:
- Itemized inclusions: Pre-op tests, anesthesia, OR, garments/straps, meds, follow-ups.
- All planned areas: Midface, jawline, neck, platysma treatment, submental work.
- Touch-up policy: Criteria, timing windows, and potential fees.
Red-Flag Checklist (Pause and Clarify If You See This)
- Vague answer to “who is my surgeon?” or unclear facelift volume/case numbers.
- No discussion of neck management when jowls and bands are present.
- No written aftercare plan or unreachable post-op contacts.
- Guaranteed outcomes or pressure to add procedures you didn’t ask for.
Final Note
CDU, Fresh Dr. Hong Clinic, and Banobagi offer different strengths—tightening-conscious lower-face/neck work, lift-plus-volume artistry, and large-team infrastructure with multiple technique options. Book in-person or video consults with all three, compare written plans side-by-side, and choose the team whose aesthetic style and safety standards align best with your goals.